Overview

Sony has released a new firmware update for the Airpeak S1 drone, introducing significant enhancements, including compatibility with the Alpha 9 III camera. This update aims to improve user experience by facilitating real-time geotagging, thereby streamlining and simplifying the workflow for capturing aerial photos and videos.

Key Benefits and Improvements

Enhanced Usability with RTK

The update significantly improves the drone’s usability during flights utilizing the Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) system. Users can now add geotags to images in real time. These geotagged images are automatically saved to the SD card in the RTK kit Interface Unit (RTK-INU1), enhancing the efficiency of data management.

Geotagging Features

• Real-Time Geotagging: The update allows real-time addition of geotags to images, which are then automatically saved.
• Offset Geotag Coordinates: It supports the function to offset a geotag coordinate on the optical axis, providing more precise location data.
• Organized Folder Structure: Geotagged images are saved into individual folders corresponding to specific flights. Each folder is now named with the mission title, ensuring a more organized file structure.

Camera Support

The firmware update adds support for the ILCE-9M3 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, which is equipped with a full-frame image sensor and global shutter. This camera can now be used in combination with the GBL-T3 gimbal, providing users with enhanced imaging capabilities.

Aircraft Stability

Improvements have been made to the aircraft’s stability, contributing to safer and more reliable flight operations.

Previous Benefits and Improvements

Users can view the benefits and improvements from previous updates by accessing the related documentation.

File information

Versions

• Aircraft (ARS-S1): Version 2.2.0
• Remote Controller (RCR-VH1): Version 2.2.0
• RTK Kit Interface Unit (RTK-INU1): Version 1.0.1
• Airpeak Flight: Version 2.3.0

File Sizes

• Aircraft (ARS-S1): 763 MB (800,353,536 bytes)
• Remote Controller (RCR-VH1): 394 MB (413,602,559 bytes)
• RTK Kit Interface Unit (RTK-INU1): 240 KB (246,220 bytes)

Release Date

• Date: May 20, 2024

Important Notice

Users are advised not to turn off the aircraft during the update process. The update duration is approximately 30 minutes, although the actual download time may vary depending on the network environment.

This firmware update enhances the Sony Airpeak S1 drone, making it a more powerful tool for aerial photography and videography.